Trace Analysis of Mycotoxins in Food Matrices by Solid Phase Extraction - Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Introduction: In February 2013, several Western European countries, including Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary reported nation-wide contamination of milk for human consumption with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are a type of mycotoxins, which are well known as toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi and are often found in agricultural commodities. Many mycotoxins are genotoxic, cytotoxic, and carcinogenic. Trichothecenes, because of their high toxicity to humans, may be used as bioweapons to produce lethal casualties in terrorist acts.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a method for analysis of mycotoxins including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A, and T-2 toxin in liquid milk and general cereal grains such as corn, wheat, and oats.

Methods: The mycotoxins were extracted in acetonitrile-water containing 1% (v/v) formic acid followed by a clean-up procedure using C18 solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges prior to the analysis by liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS).

Results: Selected matrices fortified at 10 and 100 ng/g provided mean recoveries ranging from 76% to 124% with average method detection limits ranged from 1 to 4 ng/g matrix.

Significance: Results from this study will not only provide a valuable resource for the identification and quantification of mycotoxins in food products but also be important in responding to emergencies involving their widespread contamination.